Care of the cycad Encephalartos villosus or Poor man's cycad |
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The genus Encephalartos, family Zamiaceae, comprises 60 species of cycads native to Africa. Some species are: Encephalartos villosus, Encephalartos senticosus, Encephalartos natalensis, Encephalartos lebomboensis, Encephalartos horridus, Encephalartos ferox, Encephalartos altensteinii, Encephalartos lehmannii, Encephalartos transvenosus, Common name: Poor man's cycad. This species is native to South Africa. They are fast-growing plants that have an underground trunk that reaches 30 cm (11.8") in height. The arched leaves are up to 3 meters (9.84 feet) in length and are glossy dark green. They produce male and female cones (they are dioecious plants). They are used in undergrowth or in cool areas of the garden in small groups of 2-3 plants and as isolated specimens. They combine well with plants of the genus Plectranthus. They are also grown in pots for patios and terraces. The Encephalartos villosus prefers a shaded or semi-shaded exposure avoiding the sun's rays in the central hours of the day. They resist frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF) but the leaves burn; it is better that the temperature is not lower than 5 ºC (41 ºF). They are ideal plants for subtropical and warm climates. The soil should be very well drained and contain plenty of compost. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water regularly throughout the year waiting for the substrate surface to dry; they need the soil to be always slightly moist (never waterlogging). Prune wilted leaves in early spring. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring but take several months to germinate. |
Images of the cycad Encephalartos villosus or Poor man's cycad |
 Encephalartos villosus  Encephalartos villosus  Encephalartos villosus |